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September 24, 2009

The last few weeks I have been flying solo as a parent, whilst my hubby Mark was in Zambia helping my dad out with crocodile egg collection. Each year, in September, the boys (my brother and hubby) take off to Zambia to collect crocodile eggs in the wild, then take them back to my dad's farm, where he incubates the eggs, hatches them and then farms the crocodiles. I take my hat off to all you single moms & dads! You're amazing! I was so excited to welcome Mark home. The kids of course missed their dad, but were more excited, I think, to find out what pressies (presents, for those that are still getting used to my Zimbabwe language) they were getting. Mark brought us back all our usual favorites from South Africa; dried guava pieces, Cadbury chocolate, Bovril, Smarties and gummy babies. There was much excitement in our house at the rest of yummy goodies.

As you know, Meredith and I are off to South Africa in less than a month (can't wait) with Ainslie MacLeod, author of The Instruction: Living The life Your Soul Intended and our wonderful group of Soul Safari friends. I can't wait to meet all of you, I feel like we've become quite a powerful group without actually having met you personally yet. We are in for the journey of our lives.

There's something about going on an African safari vacation that brings everyone closer to nature and one's own self. I've learnt a lot the past couple of weeks about what it's like to do household chores and kids duties from a different and unique perspective. In this week's article, we show you how you can get up close and personal to nature whilst being on safari, thereby seeing Africa from a different perspective. I hope you enjoy...

Enjoy!

Sandy Salle

Three Ways to View Kruger National Park from an Animal's Perspective

Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves in South Africa are famous for their high concentration of wild game, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage. In addition to an exceptional landscape, the area is also known for having some of the best-known and exclusive safari lodges in the world, including places like Singita, Londolozi, Tintswalo, and Mala Mala.

With a wide spectrum of varying terrain and eco-systems throughout Kruger National Park, the various lodges in this region offer activities that take you through the Parks' intricate wildernesses and give you a fresh point-of-view on the world—a point-of-view that is impossible to achieve on a vehicle safari.

Whether you want to view the world from a bird's perspective or from a mammal's perspective, Kruger National Park is the perfect place to test your sense of vision, hearing, touch, and adventure. Although vehicle safaris are a must in Kruger National Park, you may find other activities, that offer the slightest variation in perspective, can awaken the senses in a whole new way.

View the world from . . .

A bird's point-of-view: Unless you're on a mountain top or soaring above ground, you'll never get to see the distinct differences between neighboring terrains, and view the world from a vertical perspective. But what if there were a way you could take flight above the mountains, over the treetops, and through the light winds of South Africa? It's possible on a hot air balloon safari through Kruger National Park.

A hot air balloon safari is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you high above the ground and shows you the earth as only the birds can see. If you're looking for some exceptional photography opportunities, this is the safari for you.

As the hot air balloon rises at dawn, you'll be able to see the perfect curves of the earth and the glistening hues of the sun reflect on the Park's lush wilderness. During your smooth flight, expect to see rolling hills, quaint countryside, orchards, mountain tops, thick forests, and the famous Blyde River Canyon.

If you're looking for a completely exclusive experience, most lodges offer extremely detailed hot air balloon itineraries that cater to your every wish. Whether you want to enjoy a bottle of champagne above the treetops with your loved one, or have a professional photographer accompany you and your family in the sky, your requests will be fulfilled.

A mammal's point-of-view: You cannot get any closer to nature than riding on the back of an animal as it runs with a herd of zebra or gallops with a group of antelope. A horseback safari brings you right in the middle of the action.

Feel the exhilaration as you encounter a lion stalking its prey, or trot next to a baby elephant and its mother. From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world's most photographed creatures and experience what it's like to run with the herd.

A horseback safari allows you to immerse yourself in the mountainous terrain of some of South Africa's most amazing countryside, and experience the land as it was from the very beginning. Depending on which horseback safari you choose and which lodge you stay at, you can travel through cascading waterfalls, old mining towns, sunken valleys, bushveld, and rolling terrain, while viewing nature from horseback.

The world's largest land animal's point-of-view: Several lodges within the Kruger National Park offer elephant back riding—one of the most exciting and unique experiences to be had in all of Africa. As you sit behind an experienced guide, you'll feel the sheer power of the elephant as it walks slowly across the earth.

Before your elephant back experience, you'll be educated briefly on elephant behavior and safety regulations. On elephant back, you'll pass through the bush and encounter some exciting game viewing opportunities from a unique perspective. Frequently spotted animals on an elephant back safari include lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and other elephants. Once your journey is at its end, you'll be able to feed the elephants and learn about their behavior, eating habits, and physical characteristics.

Many of the lodges in Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves are famous for their attention to detail and dedication to bringing you various points-of-views in everything you do—even relaxing activities during your stay.

Add some fresh perspective to your downtime activities:

Dine beneath the stars of the African sky.
View game from your plunge pool or sundeck.
Relax in your bathtub as you soak in the exquisite beauty of nature around you and breathe in the open air.

Soul Safari - October 19-27, 2009

Experience this once-in-this-lifetime journey to South Africa where you will uncover the innermost secrets of your life's purpose and discover the spiritual pathway to Living the Life Your Soul Intended.

Join author and psychic Ainslie MacLeod on an expedition to uncover your soul's unique purpose in this life. On this 9-day Soul Safari, you'll explore the mysteries of the life plan your soul created before you were even born, and learn to harness your own spirituality to create a happier and more fulfilling future-one of total self-acceptance and endless potential.

Go to www.hillsofafrica.com/Soul_Safari/Soul_Safari.html to learn more.

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — March 18, 2009—Dedicated to creating the trip of a lifetime for vacationers of all ages, Hills of Africa Travel announces a new website and travel blog to give their clients highly personalized service. A leading tour provider based in North Carolina, owners Sandy Salle and Meredith Hill offer African safari tours and adventures for families, honeymooners, and anyone else seeking a life-changing journey.

Hills of Africa Travel customizes trips to each traveler's interests, budget, and time preferences. According to director and co-owner Sandy Salle, "Hills of Africa's mission is to create the trip of a lifetime and to ensure the best possible customer service. The new website and blog give us the tools to understand what our clients want, and they help our visitors understand the wide range of possibilities available for their trip."

The new website displays vivid photographs and recently filmed video of Africa in an easily navigated format with a crisp, fresh look. Itineraries allow the traveler to view destinations, attractions, and available trip highlights, such as elephant safaris and sunset cruises.

The new blog, Live the Magic of Africa, gives visitors a taste of an African vacation from their computer screens. The blog also explores southern African destinations, offers safari and tour tips, and relates African travel news and trends.

The website also offers a free newsletter, Live the Magic of Africa, which highlights country-specific travel information. "The newsletter lets the reader go right to news on countries of interest: for example, Zambia just reduced their visa fee from $135 to $55," notes Salle. "We want to make sure people have as much information as possible when planning and preparing for their African safari." Hills of Africa Travel offers a free report on planning a trip to Africa when visitors sign up for the newsletter.

Additionally, the newsletter highlights tour destinations earning the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) trademark. Both Salle and Hill have experienced firsthand the importance of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. "The FTTSA is a nonprofit organization committed to applying Fair Trade principles to the tourism sector in South Africa," says Hill. "Tour providers with the FTTSA label are held to high standards that result in fair wages and respect for human rights. Hills of Africa Travel is proud to be the first United States-based tour operator to offer FTTSA itineraries. The new website, blog, and newsletter will help us showcase and celebrate FTTSA."

Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.

We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Hills of Africa Travel is a team of extraordinary travel agents and tour operators who are passionate about sharing the magic of Africa through first-hand knowledge and exemplary customer service. Our expert knowledge, experience, and passion for our customers allow us to create a personalized safari adventure of a lifetime for all travelers.

Whether you're taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

To manage your subscription, please see the links below.

You may absolutely share this newsletter with people you think will benefit from it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Thanks and enjoy!

The Hills of Africa Travel Newsletter is written by Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle and Hillsofafrica.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com